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Prevention and Screenings

Skin Cancer
Examine your skin on a regular basis and report any changes to your doctor. To help prevent skin cancer follow these sun safety guidelines:

Use sunscreen with SPF of 15 or higher (both UVA/UVB protection)

Wear protective clothing, including a hat that covers your face, neck, and ears

Purchase sunglasses with both UBA/UVB protection

Avoid the sun during peak times (10 AM – 4 PM) and seek shade when possible

Cervical Cancer

Annual screening should begin at 21 or within three years of becoming sexually active (whichever occurs first)

Women age 30 and older who have had three consecutive negative screenings and are at normal risk may be screened every 2-3 years

Discuss the HPV vaccine/your eligibility with your physician

Breast Cancer

Starting at age 20

Clinical breast exam (CBE) every 1-3 years

Become familiar with breasts and what is normal for you

Starting at age 40

Annual CBE

Annual mammogram

Continue self-monitoring for any changes

Prostate Cancer
After discussing the risks and benefits with your family doctor, the following tests can begin at age 50:

Annual digital rectal exam

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test

Colon Cancer
Starting at age 50, through age 75, both men and women should have the following:

Yearly fecal occult blood test along with

A sigmoidoscopy every five years or

Colonoscopy every ten years

Learn more about the importance of early detection, as well as signs and symptoms of colon cancer, at Deaconess.com/colon.

Lung Cancer
If you are 55-74 and a current smoker or former smoker who has quit within the last 15 years, you may be a candidate for a Low Dose CT Lung screening. Patients who meet these guidelines can call 812-858-2262 to find out if they quality for a screening

*These are only guidelines. A family history, symptoms, or any other risk factor may change your screening timeline. You should discuss with your family doctor your history and risk factors to establish a screening plan that is right for you.

Genetic Counseling - Cancer is a condition triggered by mutations (changes) in the genes of a cell that result in uncontrolled, abnormal cell growth. Some families have gene mutations that are passed down from one generation to the next. Genetic testing may help you determine if your cancer was due to an inherited gene mutation and if you are at an increased risk of future cancers, and help your family make decisions about testing as well.